{
  "id": 8764287,
  "title": "Concerns raised over Qld's call-in process for assessing renewable projects",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/concerns-raised-over-qlds-call-in-process-for-assessing-renewable",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-20T20:17:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-21/renewable-energy-projects-face-tension-in-regional-communities/107168858"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Renewable energy advocates are urging Queensland to create a more robust framework for the development process, in order to prevent investors from being deterred. The state government's use of exceptional powers to call in energy projects has left both communities and investors uncertain about the future. The government claims to be committed to renewable projects and has more under construction or financially promised than any other region in the country.\n\nHowever, concerns have been raised that increased government intervention in wind farm projects could discourage private sector investment. Queensland is currently using special call-in powers to assess at least three renewable energy projects: the Bouldercombe Battery Energy Storage System near Rockhampton, and two proposed projects on the Western Downs - the Marmadua Energy Park and the Middle Creek Energy Hub. These latter two projects are located in the same area as the proposed $32 billion Western Downs Digital Park, which is located near the town of Dalby, roughly a four-hour drive west of Brisbane.\n\nNational member of parliament David Littleproud has called for the Queensland government to intervene in the federally approved $1.5 billion Tarong West Wind Farm, which is proposed in the South Burnett region. This has raised concerns among members of the Renewable Energy Alliance. The Alliance's national director, Andrew Bray, stated that the government's enthusiasm for the exceptional powers could pose a barrier for investment in energy projects. Bray emphasized that any uncertainty could make it difficult for communities to understand the approval process. He added that once a planning approval is given, the project should proceed, and if it is not, then the focus should shift to other opportunities.\n\nLittleproud, while not against renewables, suggested that the Tarong West Wind Farm should be scrapped, citing concerns about the workers' camp and the project. He also proposed a range of options to manage the energy demands of hyper-scale data centers, including baseload power, gas, coal, and nuclear energy. Littleproud urged for a diverse range of options to be considered, as this is a new frontier and cannot be ignored.\n\nQueensland Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki affirmed the state government's commitment to renewable energy projects. He noted that Queensland has more large-scale wind and solar projects committed to than any other region in Australia. Janetzki emphasized the state's energy plan is focused on finding the right balance between coal, gas, and private-sector-investment renewable projects, including the Tarong West Wind Farm. The government has established application processes and provided communities with the opportunity to offer their opinions, which is an essential step in the process. The treasurer reiterated that Queensland aims to be \"open for business\" with a balanced approach that includes renewable energy in the private sector, and that this approach will continue for any future data center proposals.",
  "summary": "Renewable energy advocates say increased government intervention in projects creates uncertainty for private sector investors and communities.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}